In the world of Philippine showbiz, there are only a few young artists who not only entertain for a moment, but also become part of our collective memory—they are the ones who provide laughter, tears, and lessons amidst the spotlight and challenges.
Ryzza Mae Dizon, whom we will see as “Aling Maliit,” is one of them.
Born on June 12, 2005, in Angeles City, Pampanga, this little girl didn’t just win hearts with her first appearance on television—she became a symbol of hope for many families dreaming of a better life.
Now, in October 2025, at the age of 20, Ryzza is no longer the little girl who makes people laugh on Eat Bulaga!—she is a young female senior high school graduate, active host of a top-rated show, and with an estimated annual income of around $300,000 from her projecTS. It’s a story of growth filled with success, perseverance, and a bit of controversy that made her path more difficult, but ultimately, paved the way for a stronger Ryzza.
Imagine this: A child with a unique charm and wit, who at the tender age of seven joined the Little Miss Philippines segment of Eat Bulaga! in 2012.
She was no ordinary contestant—she stood out with her natural bravery and hilarious answers to questions from the judges, including comedy icons like Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon.
“Why do you want to be Little Miss Philippines?” they asked, and her answer? “To help my family and study well!” It wasn’t scripted—it was genuine hope from a child who grew up in a simple life in Pampanga, with her mother Rissa Dizon and siblings Princess Nicole, Ken Raven, and Nathaniel.
When she won as the Grand Winner, the entire nation laughed and cried at the same time—she became a viral sensation, inspiring thousands of young Filipinos whose dreams were not hindered by poverty.
From there, her rise to showbiz was like a fairy tale with a little plot twist.
In April 2013, Vic Sotto announced during a live broadcast of Eat Bulaga! that Ryzza would have her own talk show—The Ryzza Mae Show, which began on April 8 of that year.
At just 7 years old, she became the youngest host in the history of Philippine television, interviewing big-name stars like Kris Aquino and Vice Ganda.
It wasn’t easy—the show ran for two years until 2015, but in the midst of it, challenges came her way.
In September 2013, two incidents on Eat Bulaga! and on her show prompted a mandatory conference from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
The segments were accused of being “insensitive and unfriendly to children,” violating the dignity of children.
According to the MTRCB, this “palpably violates the dignity of the child,” which has led to scrutiny of GMA Network and producer TAPE, Inc.
But this didn’t stop Ryzza—instead, it became a lesson for her family and team to be more careful, while the young host continues to provide entertainment.
Despite the controversies, her talent has not been stopped.
She starred in fantasy-comedy films such as Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako (2012), My Little Bossings (2013), and My Big Bossing (2014), where she shone as the sidekick of comedy kings.
In 2015, she landed the lead role in the teleserye Princess in the Palace, alongside Ice Seguerra and Eula Valdez—her first starring role in a drama series, which showcased her range from comedy to emotional scenes.
“Acting is not just about laughing—it’s about showing real feelings,” she said in an old interview, showing her maturing at a young age.
While this was happening, she didn’t forget about her studies—she graduated from elementary and junior high school at Eton International School in 2019 and 2023, respecting her showbiz schedule.
This isn’t just balance—it’s dedication that earned her the PMPC Star Award for Best Child Performer and the FAMAS Award for Best Young Actress, proving that she’s not only cute, but also talented.
But the real plot twist came in 2023, when she resigned along with the co-hosts and staff of Eat Bulaga! after the announcement of main hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon leaving producer TAPE, Inc.
This led to the show’s migration to TV5 as EAT, where Ryzza remained as co-host, continuing her career on the new network.
“I’m happy to join my Dabarkads—it’s a new beginning,” she said in a post-resignation interview.
In 2025, she was one of the mainstays of EAT, becoming the first honoree on her first work day of the year, according to her Facebook post.
In addition, she is active on social media—her Facebook page has over 3 million likes, while her YouTube channel is full of vlogs like “MY GRADUATION PREPARATION VLOG!” which went viral in June.
His estimated annual income ranges from $291,000 to $398,500, according to analytics from sponsorships, TV salary, and endorsements—not a bad result for a 20-year-old who is still juggling showbiz and studies.
And when it comes to his latest milestone? His senior high school graduation on June 30, 2025, at Far Eastern University (FEU) High School, under the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand.
Despite his busy schedule at EAT, he managed to finish his studies, which gave his family proud momenTS. “Thank you po FEU High School at sa aking mga teachers.
Thank you to my family, 3A/3B classmates, and to our teachers—thank you po for all your patience, understanding, and support talaga,” he posted on Instagram, with his signature humor: “Akalain niyo yun?!” His mother also posted a photo of him in a green gown holding his diploma, along with selfies at a hotel near SMX and bonding moments with his family.
This is not just the end of one chapter—it’s the beginning of another, as he plans for college life.
“I’m excited for the next step, but I won’t forget the lessons from showbiz,” he said in a recent vlog, showing his groundedness.
Behind all this, Ryzza’s life is full of emotions and lessons.
She grew up in the spotlight, with challenges like being a child star who often lost a normal childhood—no simple playtime, always with cameras and expectations.
But the support of her mother, Rissa, never disappeared—she became her manager and guide in every decision.
“Mama is my rock; without her, I am nothing,” she once admitted.
And with her siblings, the bond remains strong, giving her a sense of normalcy amidst fame.
In 2025, as the world of showbiz rapidly changes—from TV to digital platforms—Ryzza is adapting well, with possible new projects like acting gigs and collaborations.
“Life is like a big segment on Eat Bulaga!—there are surprises, laughter, and a little drama, but there is always a happy ending,” is her advice to young dreamers.
Now, as we watch her transformation from the “Aling Maliit” who stood on the Eat Bulaga! stage to a young woman holding her diploma and mic, Ryzza’s story is a reminder that success is not linear.
It’s been full of obstacles, like MTRCB issues or switching networks, but with each one, she grows stronger.
In an era of social media pressures and fast fame, her journey is an inspiration: that education, family, and talent are the true treasures.
As she continues on with EAT and new challenges, we bid that child farewell in the best way possible—by laughing at her punchlines and hoping that our own stories will be as fun as hers.
Ryzza Mae Dizon didn’t just grow up—she brought to life the idea that dreams, when worked for, become reality with a smile.
